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Better Way to Think, A: Using Positive Thoughts to Change Your Life
All of us talk to ourselves, carrying on inner dialogues much of the day. Some of this self talk frees us, but much of it keeps us captive to negative patterns that have a corresponding negative impact on our emotions and actions. But we do not have to remain prisoners of fear, anxiety, despair, disillusionment, regret, or stress! The best selling author of A Better Way to Think shows readers how to truly bring every thought captive under Christ, thereby freeing themselves from the negative patterns of self talk that have stymied their personal and spiritual growth for years. Biblically based and full of practical, proven strategies, this book helps readers harness the positive and creative power of their thought lives in order to experience lasting freedom from negativity.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
H. Norman Wright
285 books72 followersH. Norman Wright is a well-respected Christian counselor who has helped thousands of people improve their relationships and deal with grief, tragedy, and other concerns. He helps couples bring vibrancy to their relationships through counseling, seminars, and more than 90 books, including Before You Say “I Do” and After You Say “I Do.” Norm also reveals insights for spiritual growth, great relationships, and success in devotionals that include Strong to the Core, Quiet Times for Every Parent, and Truly Devoted: What Dogs Teach Us About Life, Love, and Loyalty. www.hnormanwright.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 4, 2017
Our minds can be a scary place to dwell, but that’s where we live—and often not with the kinds of thoughts we were designed to entertain. A Better Way to Think does a good job of helping readers stop and notice our thoughts. When we notice, we can evaluate. When we evaluate, we can see where we need to intentionally change our thinking.
The book’s subtitle is “Using positive thoughts to change your life,” and it offers biblically-sound advice on how to do just that, with both thoughts and self-talk. One of the key points it raises is that we can’t change our thinking in our own strength. We need to rely on the power and help of God. And we need to give it time.
I was challenged by Dr. Wright’s statement that talking to ourselves is
The early chapters prompt us to pay more attention to our thoughts—our self-talk—to discover its origins, observe the damage it’s doing, and decide to change. The biblical mandate to “take every thought captive to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) is difficult at the best of times, but it’s impossible if we’re not aware of those thoughts.
I found these early chapters clinically sound, but I kept wanting to see faith-based strategies for addressing the problem. Those come later in the book, so if you have the same reaction, read on.
The author uses brief case studies to reinforce what he’s saying, and they make the concepts much easier to understand and remember. Just recently I was driving, late for an appointment, and I remembered his illustration of two men in the same traffic jam and how each one’s thoughts affected their individual experiences. That helped me choose calm thoughts instead of berating myself for not leaving earlier.
The case studies also reflect how one person’s negative thought life can affect his/her relationships. Later chapters focus on defusing this, specifically in marriages.
As the author points out, our negative self-talk has been building up for a long time, so it will take time to replace it with healthier thinking. Time and prayer.
This is one of those books I’m glad to keep on my shelf, and I've found myself talking about it in numerous conversations. God has been challenging me about my thinking, probably most of my life, but in the last year or so I've finally been ready to hear Him. A Better Way to Think is one of the tools He has used in my life for growth and healing, and I highly recommend it.
H. Norman Wright is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist and the author of more than 70 books. For more about the book, visit the Revell website, which includes a link to read an excerpt.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
The book’s subtitle is “Using positive thoughts to change your life,” and it offers biblically-sound advice on how to do just that, with both thoughts and self-talk. One of the key points it raises is that we can’t change our thinking in our own strength. We need to rely on the power and help of God. And we need to give it time.
I was challenged by Dr. Wright’s statement that talking to ourselves is
“a habit you've cultivated... hundreds of statements you can play at will... The more these play, the more we begin to believe them. We think, This is reality! This is true!” (p.79)
The early chapters prompt us to pay more attention to our thoughts—our self-talk—to discover its origins, observe the damage it’s doing, and decide to change. The biblical mandate to “take every thought captive to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) is difficult at the best of times, but it’s impossible if we’re not aware of those thoughts.
I found these early chapters clinically sound, but I kept wanting to see faith-based strategies for addressing the problem. Those come later in the book, so if you have the same reaction, read on.
The author uses brief case studies to reinforce what he’s saying, and they make the concepts much easier to understand and remember. Just recently I was driving, late for an appointment, and I remembered his illustration of two men in the same traffic jam and how each one’s thoughts affected their individual experiences. That helped me choose calm thoughts instead of berating myself for not leaving earlier.
The case studies also reflect how one person’s negative thought life can affect his/her relationships. Later chapters focus on defusing this, specifically in marriages.
As the author points out, our negative self-talk has been building up for a long time, so it will take time to replace it with healthier thinking. Time and prayer.
This is one of those books I’m glad to keep on my shelf, and I've found myself talking about it in numerous conversations. God has been challenging me about my thinking, probably most of my life, but in the last year or so I've finally been ready to hear Him. A Better Way to Think is one of the tools He has used in my life for growth and healing, and I highly recommend it.
H. Norman Wright is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist and the author of more than 70 books. For more about the book, visit the Revell website, which includes a link to read an excerpt.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
June 26, 2026
One verse that immediately came to mind while reading this book was Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse perfectly reflects the message of the book: our minds affect everything we do, and changing the way we think can change the way we live.
One thing I especially appreciated about this book was the author’s use of real-life metaphors and examples to explain thought processes. Rather than making psychology or habits feel complicated, the ideas felt understandable and practical for everyday life.
A major idea throughout the book is that our thoughts are not random or uncontrollable. They are shaped by our past experiences, habits, worldview, self-talk, and even the things others have spoken over us. The book challenged me because I realized we often accept our thoughts without questioning them...we assume they are simply there instead of recognizing that we can actively guide them.
One of the most eye-opening ideas was that negativity and positivity can become habits. The author suggests that changing thought patterns begins with intentionally replacing unhealthy mental habits with healthier and more constructive ones. That perspective made me more aware of my thoughts in a conscious way and encouraged me to think about whether my mindset is helping or hurting me.
Two quotes that stood out to me were:
“It’s interesting to note how thinking, language, and emotions relate. Language can shape our thinking; thinking can shape our language. And our thinking and language can shape our emotions and behavior.”
Another quote I found meaningful was:
“When you spend so much time thinking about what you shouldn’t have done, you reinforce the negative behavior.”
Overall, I enjoyed this book because it was both practical and reflective. It encouraged me to pay closer attention to my thought life and reminded me that transformation begins in the mind. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand their habits, emotions, and the connection between thoughts and everyday life.
P.S.
This is the longest book review I've ever made, and that's because as I was reading, there was so much to think about and take notes on. So this is just all those notes summarized.
One thing I especially appreciated about this book was the author’s use of real-life metaphors and examples to explain thought processes. Rather than making psychology or habits feel complicated, the ideas felt understandable and practical for everyday life.
A major idea throughout the book is that our thoughts are not random or uncontrollable. They are shaped by our past experiences, habits, worldview, self-talk, and even the things others have spoken over us. The book challenged me because I realized we often accept our thoughts without questioning them...we assume they are simply there instead of recognizing that we can actively guide them.
One of the most eye-opening ideas was that negativity and positivity can become habits. The author suggests that changing thought patterns begins with intentionally replacing unhealthy mental habits with healthier and more constructive ones. That perspective made me more aware of my thoughts in a conscious way and encouraged me to think about whether my mindset is helping or hurting me.
Two quotes that stood out to me were:
“It’s interesting to note how thinking, language, and emotions relate. Language can shape our thinking; thinking can shape our language. And our thinking and language can shape our emotions and behavior.”
Another quote I found meaningful was:
“When you spend so much time thinking about what you shouldn’t have done, you reinforce the negative behavior.”
Overall, I enjoyed this book because it was both practical and reflective. It encouraged me to pay closer attention to my thought life and reminded me that transformation begins in the mind. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand their habits, emotions, and the connection between thoughts and everyday life.
P.S.
This is the longest book review I've ever made, and that's because as I was reading, there was so much to think about and take notes on. So this is just all those notes summarized.
June 10, 2022
This book is very practical with real tips to physically help change your thought patterns with anxiety and depression. It also incorporates scripture and how the verses relate relate to our emotions and thoughts. I really enjoyed how the practical tips and scripture were woven together to show us how we can overcome the battlefield of the mind.
December 8, 2015
I do agree about what was the author was insinuating, I mean, I've studied philosophy and I know how powerful a mind can be, it can move people. (Idealism) What is good about this book is that it really points out that this happens to you because you think this will happens, and of course psychologically speaking it will. If you set your mind that you're going sick you are definitely going to be sick, and how about a task, if you have set your mind on the task and wanted to succeed on it, definitely you will because you have set it in your mind.
This book has also vividly explained how toxic thoughts, can be verbalized and can toxicate those people around you and you're worlds. Mind is a powerful thing.
What is also good about this book is that you have to change the way you see things, change the negative way like traffic, or a comment from your book into something positive. Also in depression, change the way you think, you're depressed and you're thinking of more depressed thought, let's see what might be the result?
This is a great book.
This book has also vividly explained how toxic thoughts, can be verbalized and can toxicate those people around you and you're worlds. Mind is a powerful thing.
What is also good about this book is that you have to change the way you see things, change the negative way like traffic, or a comment from your book into something positive. Also in depression, change the way you think, you're depressed and you're thinking of more depressed thought, let's see what might be the result?
This is a great book.
July 30, 2019
This book provides biblical counsel to help control negative thoughts. The author encourages the reader to look to Scripture and the Holy Spirit for help when your thoughts are out of control. Many Scripture references are given to focus the believer back to God and not on self or circumstances. The biggest shortcoming of this book is the numerous Bible translations that are quoted including The Message and the Amplified Bible.
September 24, 2021
Self-help
Unfortunately this didn't help me much. I've tried most of these techniques and they don't help for long. The religious aspect seemed to be more of a distraction than a help.
Unfortunately this didn't help me much. I've tried most of these techniques and they don't help for long. The religious aspect seemed to be more of a distraction than a help.
April 19, 2024
This book made me feel like I was listening to a Christ-centered therapist, and I felt a little guilty for not paying for the therapy sessions I had for each chapter. For those who are struggling with overthinking, impatience, anger management, and anxiety, I highly recommend this book.
January 21, 2018
This is a great read and resource for us all! If you struggle with negative thoughts, anxiety or depression I highly recommend this book!
March 18, 2018
At 1st it was interesting
But when i went halfway it just got too boring
But when i went halfway it just got too boring
February 5, 2021
This book is helpful for those who are looking for insight on how to create a positive thought process.
March 11, 2017
This is an excellent book on how to constructively deal with negative thought patterns. It is written in an engaging and thoroughly understandable way with very helpful information about how our minds work. Dr. Wright gives concrete ways to reverse the pattern of negative thinking. It is hopeful and inspiring. Loved every word.
January 29, 2017
I was given this book as a gift. I stopped reading it after 50 pages. I understand the power of positive thinking and how it relates.
However, he begins to shove God down your throat two pages in and doesn't let up. This is where he lost me. I want to know how my body works, and what I could to do help myself. Not what God could do. The amount of bible thumping in this book made it unbearable.
However, he begins to shove God down your throat two pages in and doesn't let up. This is where he lost me. I want to know how my body works, and what I could to do help myself. Not what God could do. The amount of bible thumping in this book made it unbearable.
October 20, 2013
I expected a book about getting whatever you want through positive thinking.
Instead, it is a book full of ideas and exercises on self reflection with a mind to helping a person to live more positively by guiding one's thoughts and thought processes.
Instead, it is a book full of ideas and exercises on self reflection with a mind to helping a person to live more positively by guiding one's thoughts and thought processes.
January 7, 2012
This was a excellent book. You can really change your thinking.
August 14, 2016
There was nothing new in the book. A simple, self-help Christian book. What he wrote is all true....power of the imagination, positive self talk etc.
April 18, 2015
A simple self-help book with teachings from the Scriptures and past experiences to improve your way of thinking.
March 27, 2017
This book may help someone who is negative or depressed but not conducive to positive persons. I cannot find many constructive advice overall which can benefit to my daily life. It is easy to tell others to not repeat negative thoughts but rather challenging to put them into practice.
March 30, 2017
Ok, for a self help book. I've read too many like this, though, so I didn't finish.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews